The birth mother of conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna - who gave them up due to poverty - wants them to remain in Australia.

Britain has the biggest drink problem among 13-year-olds in the Western world, according to a major study on child wellbeing published today.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia and Labour's Annette King are calling for action over a report slamming New Zealand's treatment of children.

The number of people aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 30 to 40 years.